Geotechnical Properties Of Soil Research Articles

Characterization of the Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Soil Improved by Sludge Waste

Recently, a great rise in the population and fast manufacturing processes were noticed. These processes release significant magnitudes of waste. These wastes occupied a notable ground region, generating big issues for the earth and the environment. To enhance the geotechnical properties of fine-grained soil, a sequence of research projects in the lab were conducted to analyze the impacts of adding sludge waste (SW). The tests were done on both natural and mixed soil with SW at various proportions (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) based on the dry mass of the soil used. The experiments conducted focused on consistency, compaction, and shear strength. With the addition of 10% of SW, the values of LL and PI decreased by 29.7% and 38.5%, respectively. Also, with 10% of SW, the values of swelling percent (SP) and swelling pressure (SPR) decreased by 34% and 33%. On the other hand, SW content increase led to the rise in unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the soil tested from 511kPa to 726kPa with the addition of 10% SW. Based on the findings, it can be confirmed that 10% SW in its natural state is notable for improving fine-grained soil strength and reducing the environmental hazard related to this waste type.

Evaluation of the Geotechnical Properties of Cubitermes sp and Macrotermes sp Termite Mound Soils for the Manufacture of Earth Bricks

The use of local materials in construction contributes to solving the deficit of sustainable housing in some developing countries. Earth constructions have a low ecological impact and are among the cheapest, especially in rural areas. The durability of earthen buildings depends on the geotechnical properties of the soil used and the respect of basic architectural rules. Evaluation of the geotechnical properties of soils contributes to the choice of the appropriate technique to use them. The macrotermes sp and cubitermes sp termite mound soils are widespread and commonly used in construction in some regions of the world. The results obtained from the 27 samples showed that the clay content of some soils is higher than the maximum permitted of 30% and that other soils have a sand content lower than the minimum of 30% permitted by most standards for the manufacture of mud bricks. Some soils have good molding properties and a plasticity suitable for making mud bricks. To correct excess clay and limit the risk of cracking during drying, lime, plant fibers or sand could be incorporated into these soils. The cubitermes sp termite mound soils are composed of kaolinite and illite and the macrotermes sp termite mound soils of kaolinite, illite and montmorillonite. Soils containing kaolinite or illite are suitable for the manufacture of CEB, adobes, rammed earth and in the manufacture of tiles or pottery.

Impacts of Contaminants from Different Sources on Geotechnical Properties of Soils

Within sites affected by industrial, domestic, and agricultural contaminants, the geotechnical characteristics of soils are susceptible to a certain degree of deterioration. The resultant corrosion of concrete exacerbates the vulnerability of underground structures, posing a potential hazard to the stability of superstructures. However, the current lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the precise influence of contaminants from different sources on the geotechnical properties of soils underscores the critical need for further research in this field. This review aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of various impacts, revealing that the permeability, shear strength, and compressibility of soils can either increase or decrease depending on the specific contaminants present. Notably, even though these impacts may not manifest prominently in the short term, their persistence can endure over an extended duration. The primary objective of this comprehensive review is to draw the attention of the scientific community and policy makers to this issue, emphasizing the need to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard a habitable environment for present and future generations.

Indoor radon mitigation strategies: The Alto Minho region (Northern Portugal) practical case

The article explores techniques for mitigating indoor radon in buildings, including soil depressurization, anti-radon coatings and membranes, interior mechanical building pressurization, and natural and forced ventilation procedures. The effectiveness of each technique depends on various factors, such as indoor radon level or building construction type. The region of Alto Minho, Northern Portugal, mostly comprises single-family housing with different structures and materials, and performing an assessment stage is crucial for selecting the appropriate mitigation method. The ageing and declining population in the region suggests that the rehabilitation of existing buildings is more likely than the implementation of new construction. The article also emphasizes the potential impacts of soil depressurization and pressurization on soil geotechnical properties. Anti-radon barriers and mortars have been effectively used in high indoor radon concentration situations and can be combined with natural or forced ventilation procedures and real-time multi-parameter monitoring for improving indoor air quality and energy efficiency of buildings.

Geotechnical Stabilization Potential of Cement Admixed with Rice Husk Ash on the Crude Oil Polluted Laterite Soil: A Case Study of Ebendo, Delta State, Nigeria

Crude oil pollution of the environment is one of the greatest concerns to Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta and most oil producing regions of the world, with far-reaching effects on the ecosystems. In this study, the influence of oil pollution on geotechnical properties of laterite soil and possibility of stabilization with rice husk ash (RHA) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were investigated. Soil sample categorized as A-2-6 and CL was artificially contaminated with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% crude oil. The consistency limits, specific gravity (SG), Compaction, Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were carried out on both uncontaminated and contaminated soil samples. The 10% contaminated specimen was further stabilized with admixture of OPC and RHA using different percentages (0-10%) by mass of soil. A significant decrease in SG, maximum dry density (MDD), CBR and UCS was revealed but with an increase in consistency limits and optimum moisture content (OMC) as the volume of crude oil increased from 0 to 10%. However, stabilization of the contaminated soil with OPC and RHA improved the soaked CBR and UCS. The addition of OPC (0-10%) enhanced the UCS and CBR of the 10% polluted soil from 25-119 kN/m2 and 2-18.3%, respectively, while the treatment with RHA increased the UCS and CBR values from 25-60 kN/m2 and 2-4.4%. The results of research clearly show that oil contamination had considerable influence on soil properties but addition of 10% RHA or 8% OPC can be adopted to restore and enhance the geotechnical properties of the polluted laterite soil.

Geotechnical and Geochemical Properties of Residual and Termite Reworked Soils within the Premises of the Polytechnic Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Three representative samples each from residual and termite reworked soils were collected within the premises of The Polytechnic Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Their suitability for construction purposes was determined by assessing their geotechnical and geochemical properties. Geotechnical tests carried out include moisture content, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, particle size distribution, compaction, UCS test and CBR. AAS was used to analyze the oxides composition of the soils. Both soil types were classified as low – intermediate plasticity clays with liquid limit between 25.5%-43.1%. The CBR values ranged from 80% – 85% and 20% – 50% for termite reworked soils and residual soils respectively. UCS ranged from 212.1KPa – 226.3 KPa and 191.7KPa – 200.0 KPa for the termite reworked and residual soils respectively. The OMC and MDD values for termite reworked soil ranged from 5.8% – 8.4% and 1968 kg/m3 – 2020kg/m3 respectively and between 12% – 15.2% and 1800 kg/m3-1940 kg/m3 for residual soils. Geochemistry result shows that the termite reworked soils contained a mean of 60.1% SiO2, 31.05% Al2O3, 1.7% CaO and 4.9% Fe2O3 while the residual soils contained a mean of 59.8% SiO2, 28% Al2O3, 1.6% CaO and 4.6% Fe2O3. This accounts for the better geotechnical properties exhibited by the termite reworked soils.

Effect of Crude Oil on the Geotechnical Properties of Various Soils and the Developed Remediation Methods

Crude oil still affects many countries because it is one of the essential fuel sources. It makes life more manageable in modern communities and cannot be overstated because it is easy to use and find. However, the pollution caused by its use in industries such as mining, transportation, and the oil and gas business, especially soil pollution, cannot be ignored. Soil pollution is an issue in most communities because it influences people and ecology. Accidental infusions and spills of ore oils are prevalent occurrences leading to the entire or fractional exchange of the soil pore fluid by oil-contaminated soils that have affected the geotechnical engineering properties. The liquid limitations for polluted soil grades silty loam and sandy loam decreased by 38% and 16%. Oil contamination leads to decreased permeability; the permeability values for sandy loam soil decreased from (3.6 × 10−6 to 0.25 × 10−6 cm/s) when the oil content increased from 0 to 16%; however, the permeability values for silty loam decreased from (2.6 × 10−6 to 0.25 × 10−6) cm. The current study results exhibit that the geotechnical properties of contaminated soil with oil slag can be modified upon adding cement at different weight percentages (3, 5, and 7%) to the soil. The Atterberg limits and specific gravity of the soil were noticeably reduced when it was stabilised with cement, as well as because oil spills on soil significantly influence the environment. So, there is an immediate and critical need for efficiently removing petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants from contaminated soil. Bioremediation is a new technology gaining interest worldwide to clean up sites that have polluted petroleum hydrocarbons.

Laboratory Geotechnical Investigations on Five Silty Soils Sampled along the Banks of the Lubumbashi River/Haut-Katanga/DR Congo

An adequate design of port structures along waterways requires a good knowledge of the geotechnical properties of the surrounding soils. This study aims to characterize the geotechnical laboratory properties of alluvial soils along the Lubumbashi river (section between the Tshombe and Tshondo bridges, approximately 3 km long) in the city of Lubumbashi, province of Haut Katanga in DR Congo. To meet this objective, five sampling zones were selected from which samples were taken with a hand auger and various geotechnical laboratory tests were performed. Identification tests reveal that the tested soils have low to moderate plasticity and are in the range of sandy silt to silty sand with a low fraction of clay particles, essentially inactive. Oedometric compression tests reveal that the soils in place are (moderately) compressible. The consolidated undrained (CU) triaxial compression and direct shear tests indicate effective values of internal friction angle and negligible drained cohesion that, are consistent for this kind of soil. In the end, the compressibility and strength parameters of the five tested soils are correlated with their plasticity index, showing a decrease in the shear strength and an increase in the compressibility when the plasticity index increase.

Utjecaj mineralogije gline na nedreniranu posmičnu čvrstoću pomoću pokusa s padajućim šiljkom

Consistency limits are the basic parameters used as standard inputs for any soil investigation program to evaluate the geotechnical properties of fine-grained soils. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the variations in the undrained shear strength of clays with different plasticity properties based on the fine content, clay mineralogy, and water absorption capacity. To achieve this objective, 33 Fall cone tests were conducted on low-, high-, and very high-plastic clay mixtures. Various blends of different plasticity were ensured by preparing mixtures of Na-montmorillonite (NaM)/Ca-montmorillonite (CaM), Na-montmorillonite (NaM)/Kaolinite (K), and Na-montmorillonite (NaM)/Sepiolite (S). According to the experimental results, the highest liquid limit (LL) was obtained in 100 % NaM clay at 255.07 %, whereas the lowest LL was obtained in 100 % S clay at 33.55 %. Similarly, the highest undrained shear strength was obtained at 160 kPa at 30 % water content in the 100 % NaM clay, whereas the lowest undrained shear strength was obtained at 10 kPa in the 100 % S clay at the same water content. Consequently, based on an experimental framework, empirical equations were obtained which could be used to establish the relationships among cone penetration-water content, liquid limit-clay content, and undrained shear strength-cone penetration.

Compressibility Behaviour On Carbonation of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) Treated Kaolin

With the growing worry over pollution in the environment, the necessity to comprehend this phenomenon has multiplied. Not only that, the economic gain made in the last decade, along with the fast growth of the world population, has come at a huge environmental cost. One of the never-ending issues is carbon dioxide emission and notably, the construction sector is no exception to mean to contribute through many development activities. Therefore, this study focuses on the compressibility behaviour of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) treated kaolin clay due to carbonation. This study discusses the effect of carbonation on GGBS-treated kaolin as an effort to use sustainable materials which able to improve the geotechnical properties of soil and safe to say, help to reduce the emission of CO2. Testing program via one-dimensional consolidation test found that the compressibility characteristics improved as increased the GGBS content. Overall, the results illustrate that higher GGBS content and longer curing period gives lower compressibility characteristic. It was also found that the carbonated kaolin sample further improve the compressibility characteristics as compared to ambient condition of treated kaolin sample. In conclusion, GGBS can improve the compressibility characteristic of kaolin with carbonation consideration.

New Correlations for the Determination of Undrained Shear, Elastic Modulus, and Bulk Density Based on Dilatometer Tests (DMT) for Organic Soils in the South of Quito, Ecuador

The Marchetti Dilatometer test is a non-destructive in situ test that can be used to determine the geotechnical properties of soils. This paper presents the results of a study that investigated the correlations between the parameters obtained from the Marchetti Dilatometer test and geomechanical parameters for soft soils, mainly organic soils, obtained in the laboratory. The study was conducted in the El Garrochal sector in Southern Quito, Ecuador. The results of the study showed that there are significant correlations between the Marchetti Dilatometer test and the undrained shear strength, modulus of elasticity, and density of soil. The equations that were developed in this study can be used to estimate these geomechanical parameters from the results of the Marchetti Dilatometer test for the South Quito sector, which are valuable for geotechnical engineers to design structures in these types of soils. The equations that were developed in this study can be used to improve the accuracy of the design of these structures.

Characterisation of Geotechnical Properties of Residual Tropical Soils Used for Road Infrastructure: French Guiana Experience

Characterisation of Geotechnical Properties of Residual Tropical Soils Used for Road Infrastructure: French Guiana Experience

Micro- and nano- bentonite to improve the strength of clayey sand as a nano soil-improvement technique

Nano-additives results in the formation of nano-cementation (NC). This process is recently used to improve the durability of various building materials. NC used to improve the strength of untreated soil materials, also known as nano soil-improvement (NSI). In few years, the role of nano-additives in various types of soils were developed. In this research, the role of micro- and nano- size of bentonite as soil stabilizer was evaluated as first few research to improve geotechnical properties of soils. Nano-additives prepared by micro- and nano- sizes of bentonite were blend with four formulations. These formulations of micro- and nano- additives at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3%, namely 0% Micro-Bentonite, 1% Micro-Bentonite, 2% Micro-Bentonite, 3% Micro-Bentonite, 0% Nano-Bentonite, 1% Nano-Bentonite, 2% Nano-Bentonite, and 3% Nano-Bentonite, respectively. These formulations of micro- and nano- additives were separately added to soil. Specimens with 3% nano-bentonite showed significant improvement in unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soil that was more than 2.3-times higher than control specimen in 7-d curing time. Also the performance of micro-bentonite resulted in improvement in UCS of soil that was more than 1.1-times higher than control specimen at 7-d curing time. The secant modulus at 50% of peak stress (E50) of the samples treated with micro- and nano- additives increased in comparison to untreated specimens. Further, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses characterized micro- and nano- structures of soil specimens, and showed the performance of nano-additives in improving strength of soils. Results show that nano-bentonite as a type of nano-additives is an effective means of increasing the strength of soils. This research shows the significant of nano-bentonite in soil improvement, as a NSI technique.

Improving geotechnical properties of soil of hillock slope using crushed recycled concrete aggregates

With the massive expansion of urbanization worldwide, a huge volume of construction and demolition waste (CDW) generation has become a common issue along with CDW from controlled demolition and earthquakes, which causes a tremendous headache for environmentalists. Moreover, sliding and failure of the slope of hillocks, hills, roads, and earthen dams raise concerns for geotechnical engineers. Among the several methods of improving the geotechnical behaviour of soil of the slopes, this research utilized CDW-based recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) to improve slopes of two hillocks named GK and BH. The crushed RCA was applied in various percentages, 5–35 %, in the soil mass and as a circular column to observe the improvement of the soil's geotechnical properties that largely influence slope stability. RCA column, a sustainable alternative to the sand, stone, or other natural materials column, can work as a vertical drain with an improved permeability of slope geo-material to improve infiltration. The soil samples with 30 % RCA mixed and RCA columns inserted into the soil mass resulted in lower consolidation settlement, compressibility index, and higher shear strength parameters. Moreover, 30 % RCA column increased the permeability by 6 and 7-times for the hillocks GK and BH, respectively, which reduces the chance of excess pore water pressure (PWP) development that can trigger the failure of a slope. Improving soil properties with recycled concrete aggregates can be a sustainable way to solve weak soil and failure issues of low-permeable low-height natural hillocks.

Geotechnical Properties of Soils in Abu Al-Khasib City, Southern Iraq

To investigate some geotechnical characteristics of the soils in a chosen area of Abu Al-Khasib city, Basrah Governorate, southern Iraq, nine boreholes that range in depth from 10 to 32 meters were drilled. Based on the results of standard penetration tests and particle size analysis the Quaternary deposits, which extend vertically to a depth of 32 meters, are divided into 8 layers with varying bearing capacities depending on their consistency and compactness. These layers are Medium stiff brown lean clay, soft and very soft gray lean clay, medium stiff gray lean clay, stiff gray lean clay, medium denes gray silty sand, denes gray silty sand , hard gray clay-silt-sand mixture and very dense gray silty sand. The first layer's bearing capacity is 140 kN/m2, so it is considered as moderately adequate to support the isolated, strip,or raft shallow foundations of various light buildings in the study region, and soil improvement techniques, especially mechanical methods, are required. Different types of deep foundations such as piles and well foundations for heavy constructions must be extended to depths of 27 and 30 meters, which represents the 7th and 8th layers of high bearing capacity (640-760, 1100 kN/m2 respectively) in the study area. Inorganic clays with low plasticity are the most common classification for samples. The soils of the study area are considered highly compressible soils and have medium expansion degree which must be taken into account when constructing shallow foundations to minimize damage to buildings. The percentages of sulphates, total dissolved salts, organic content, and gypsum content are minimal and considered ineffective, whereas the percentages of carbonates and chlorides are high and affect the safety of shallow foundations. In the study site, the groundwater is around 0.5 m deep.

Soil Stabilization by Using Lime and Fly Ash at Ahirwadi

Abstract: Soil stabilization is a crucial aspect of civil engineering, particularly in the construction of infrastructure projects. This study investigates the effectiveness of lime and fly ash as soil stabilizers and their combined application for enhancing soil properties. The objective of this research is to evaluate the changes in the geotechnical properties of soil treated with lime and fly ash, including compressive strength, shear strength, and durability. In this experimental study, different proportions of lime and fly ash were mixed with the soil samples to determine the optimal combination that yields the highest improvement in soil characteristics. The laboratory tests conducted on the stabilized soil samples included compaction tests and unconfined compressive strength tests. The samples were cured for different periods to assess the long-term performance and durability of the stabilization technique. The results indicate that the addition of lime and fly ash significantly improves the soil's engineering properties. The lime effectively increases the soil's pH, reducing plasticity and improving workability. The fly ash, on the other hand, enhances the pozzolanic reactivity and improves the soil's strength and durability. The combination of lime and fly ash demonstrates synergistic effects, leading to further improvements in the stabilized soil's properties.

Evaluating the Undrained Shear Strength of Kalimati Soil Using Field Vane and Unconfined Compression Test; a Study on Applicability of Bjerrum’s Correction Factor

Rapid urbanization and geological challenges in Kathmandu have made it crucial to understand the geotechnical properties of the soil in the region. This study here focuses on the undrained shear strength of silty clay in Kalimati, Kathmandu, and investigates the applicability of Vane Shear tests and its parameters over other shear strength tests from other methods. Geotechnical investigations were carried out at three locations within the Kathmandu Engineering College premises and in-situ and laboratory tests were conducted on undisturbed and disturbed samples. Then the study compared the field vane shear strength, undrained strength from unconfined compression tests, and laboratory vane shear strength of the samples. For the field vane shear test the correction factor as suggested by Bjerrum was used and the results indicate that this method overestimates the shear strength in Kalimati soil, indicating no adjustment is necessary. The findings of this study have important implications for the design and construction of structures in the region, and contribute to a better understanding of the geotechnical properties of Kathmandu soil.

Seismic monitoring of strength in stabilized foundations by P-wave reflection and downhole geophysical logging for drill borehole core

Abstract Evaluating the subground properties during the initial stage of a construction of building is important in order to estimate the suitability of soil quality to the technical requirements of bearing capacity, resistance to stress, and strength. This study presented the evaluation of the geotechnical properties of soil intended for the construction of Max IV facility of Lund University, performed in fieldwork and laboratory. The in situ methods included drilling boreholes, core sampling and assessment, crosshole measurements, and borehole logging. The laboratory-based measurements were performed at Swedish Geotechnical Institute and combined seismic measurements of drill cores, determination of the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), and examination of material property: sieve analysis and natural moisture content. UCS was evaluated with regard to velocities of elastic P-waves. The synchronous light test by X-ray diffraction was performed for qualitative analysis of mineral composition of samples. The study applied integrated approach of the diverse geophysical methods to solve practical tasks on the evaluation of foundation strength and geotechnical parameters. This study demonstrated the benefits of integrated seismic and geophysical methods applied to soil exploration in civil engineering for testing quality of foundation materials.

Effect Of Phytoremediation On The Geotechnical Properties Of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil

<p>The accumulation of heavy metals in soils increases rapidly due to various natural processes. Heavy metal pollution changes the geotechnical properties of soil and poses a serious threat to human health and ecosystems, so soil pollution remediation is particularly important. Phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly approach that can be used as a successful mitigation measure to restore heavy metal-contaminated soils cost-effectively. The plants extract and remove elemental contaminants or reduce their bioavailability in soil and improve the geotechnical properties. In this study, we are conducting a pot experiment with Amaranthus by adding Zn salt as a contaminant and determining the rate of removal of metal.</p>

Geotechnical properties of cohesive soils used in the construction of subgrade for the development of the railways in the Azov-Black Sea region

This work is devoted to the determination and systematization of the properties of clay soils used in the construction of new railway tracks in order to develop the railway network in the Azov-Black Sea region of Russia. To this end, classification characteristics are determined by traditional laboratory methods, and the possibility of soil swelling under excessive moisture is estimated. In addition, the compressibility of soils is studied as the main factor ensuring the trouble-free operation of the subgrade of railways during their long-term operation. Soil samples for measurements were taken from open pits located near construction sites at an extended length of construction of 530 km. The new regression relations proposed in the work provide in some cases the accuracy of determining the soil characteristics close to the accuracy of laboratory tests. They may be in demand when monitoring the accuracy of laboratory tests of soil properties of other open pits and increasing the speed of pre-design surveys during further development of the railroad network in this region.